Specialty Camp Counselor

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
The Specialty Camp Counselor is involved in all areas of the specialty camp activities and operations and assists in organizing planned activities while promoting good interpersonal relationships among day campers.
Must be constantly alert to protect the health and safety of the day campers, and to teach the YMCA core values to all participants.
OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture.
In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.
We are welcoming: we are open to all.
We are a place where you can belong and become.
We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.
We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1.
Supervising and providing leadership to the assigned group of children, in all specialty camp activities during all hours of camp operations.
2.
Planning, organizing, and leading assigned group of children in specific camp programs such as arts and crafts, games, playground activities, singing, and other camp activities.
3.
Securing and maintaining all supplies necessary for program, health and safety, and other camp activities.
4.
Maintaining all storage and group activity areas in a clean, neat, and safe manner.
5.
Maintaining positive relationships with campers, parents and other staff members, including the promotion of day camp and other YMCA programs.
6.
Maintain accurate records as requested.
7.
Maintain day camp operations in compliance with all regulatory standards and the standards of the YMCA of San Antonio.
8.
Must demonstrate knowledge, sensitivity, and understanding in working with elementary age children.
9.
Must demonstrate maturity and a commitment to work with campers and staff from a variety of background 10.
Attend all staff meetings and training events.
11.
Keep the Youth and Family Director informed of any problems or concerns regarding the campers (health, safety, well-being, and discipline) parents, camp facilities, vehicles, supplies and equipment.
This includes, informing superiors of any possible child abuse.
12.
Perform all other duties as assigned LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: • Collaboration • Developing Others • Emotional Maturity QUALIFICATIONS: 1.
Incumbent must be at least 18 years of age with a high school degree or equivalent work/education experience.
2.
1 year of experience in related specialty and 1+ years experience leading or instructing in specialized area.
3.
Must be able to establish and maintain harmonious relationships by promoting caring, honesty, respect and responsibility with staff, YMCA members, and program participants.
4.
Incumbent must be a positive role model to children and display emotional maturity and stability at all times.
5.
Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
6.
Previous experience with diverse populations.
Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
7.
Position requires the ability to individually lead a class and to motivate and educate members.
8.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills 9.
Certifications required within the first week of hire: Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazardous Communications.
10.
Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA approved basic life saving skills such as CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 1.
Work is performed in a fast-paced office, school gymnasium, and/or outdoor environments.
2.
Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children’s activities.
3.
Visual acuity is required for reading computer screens and/or documents and making changes as necessary/required.
4.
Job requires high levels of alertness and concentration.
This position requires analytical abilities and multitasking in order to identify problems and recommend solutions.
5.
Job requires accuracy and attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills, while maintaining high levels of initiative in order to work within deadlines.
6.
Occasional stooping and bending with regular lifting of up to 20 pounds is required.
7.
Incumbent must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, as well as, able to manipulate keyboards, telephone keypads, and writing utensils is essential.